FAQ

Yes. Caviar is a fresh, perishable product, not a shelf-stable one. Hold unopened tins at 28-32°F, which is colder than a typical refrigerator's main compartment. The back of the bottom shelf or a dedicated cold drawer is usually the coldest spot. Never freeze caviar: ice crystals rupture the individual eggs, and the pearls turn soft and weep once thawed.

Unopened and held at 28-32°F, caviar is best enjoyed within four weeks upon arrival. Once the tin is opened, air begins to work on the roe immediately, and it should be finished within three days. Press the lid back down firmly against the surface of the roe between servings to limit the air trapped inside.

For caviar served as a course on its own, plan on roughly 1 oz per person. Served as one bite among other canapes, 1/2 oz per person is comfortable. A 2 oz tin suits two people making an occasion of it; a 4.4 oz tin suits a dinner party of four to six alongside other food.

Golden Osetra has radiant golden to amber pearls of medium-large grain and a firm pop, nutty and buttery with a subtle oceanic finish. Kaluga Reserve is the closest living relative of Beluga and gives a smooth, buttery burst with a creamy finish, the most savory of the three. Kaluga Amber has large pearls in warm amber and is the most welcoming of the three, which is where most people find it easiest to begin.

Kaluga Amber is the most approachable starting point, with large, mild pearls and a gentle profile. If you would rather compare rather than commit, The Flight includes all three roes side by side, which is the fastest way to learn what you actually prefer. The Flight ships free.

Every order ships overnight, packed cold with gel packs in insulated packaging to hold temperature in transit. Orders leave Monday through Thursday before 12PM EST, so nothing sits in a facility over a weekend. Orders placed after Thursday's cutoff go out the following Monday.

Orders over $250 ship free, and The Flight ships free regardless of order total. Below that threshold, overnight cold-chain shipping is calculated at checkout.

Refrigerate it promptly. The tins arrive chilled and ready to plate, so no preparation is needed. If the package arrives damaged or the contents are not cold, contact us right away at info@bashtiancaviar.com and keep the packaging.

No. Caviar is a perishable good, so all sales are final and orders cannot be returned, exchanged, or refunded once shipped. This is standard for fresh seafood and it is how we can guarantee that nothing sold has left the cold chain. If something arrives damaged or mishandled in transit, contact us and we will make it right.

Keep the tin on ice and serve with a non-metallic spoon, traditionally mother-of-pearl, since metal reacts with the roe and leaves a tinny note. Serve the caviar cold and let it come up only slightly before eating. Blini, creme fraiche, and unsalted toast are classic accompaniments, but a good tin needs nothing at all.

Dry Champagne is the classic pairing, as the acidity and fine bead cut the richness of the roe. Chilled vodka is the traditional alternative and stays out of the way of the flavor entirely. Avoid heavily oaked whites and tannic reds, which overwhelm the palate.

Yes. Bashtian partners with a curated circle of fine-dining kitchens, hospitality groups, private chefs, estate kitchens, and yacht crews, with trade pricing and scheduled delivery arranged by direct relationship. Wholesale inquiries can be sent through the Wholesale page or to info@bashtiancaviar.com.